PEA after overdose — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: B — Continue CPR while treating hypoxia and reversible causes

Explanation lettering: C = shown as B · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · B = shown as E

C is correct: PEA management requires high-quality CPR plus active search for reversible causes, particularly hypoxia in overdose. A is less suitable because it delays the immediate life-saving step in the cABCDE sequence; B is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; D is less suitable because it creates avoidable delay in a time-critical presentation; E is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines 2025; JRCALC Guidelines